Mr Himeno (middle) inspecting the project during the handling over. With him are Mr. Appiah and Klinogo

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Tsutomu Himeno, last Wednesday handed over two culverts and drains at Bethlehem to the Kpone-Katamanso Municipal Assembly.

The project, comprising 12m and 8m culverts, 80m and 300m U-drains was constructed by the Japanese government in 2016 at the cost of US$80,814 under the Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Municipal Chief Executive of Kpone-Katamanso, Solomon T. Appiah, said the main culvert in Bethlehem, a community in Kpone- Katamanso Municipality, was destroyed some years ago and the situation became worst after a heavy rainfall in June 2015 which flooded the area.

He said since then any rainfall flooded the area, making it difficult for residents, especially workers and students to go to work and school respectively.

Subsequently the assembly and the East Bethlehem Residents Association submitted a proposal to the Japanese Embassy for assistance to construct culverts and concrete drains along the roads to avoid further flooding, and to facilitate easy access to schools and other areas.

Mr Appiah thanked the government of Japan for the assistance which, he said, had helped put the road in great shape.

Mr Himeno said the government and people of Japan were pleased to play a role in making life better and easier for Ghanaians, adding that, “our two nations have a friendship that spans over 60 years with mutual benefits for all.”

Mr Himeno said as further demonstration of their friendship, his country had undertaken several development projects across the country, and advised the assembly to ensure that the project was maintained so that it would last long.

The chairman of the East Bethlehem Residents Association, Johannes Klinigo, said the all-weather culverts had brought a lot of relief to the area since this year’s rainy season no incident of flood was recorded.

He offered appreciation to the Japanese Embassy for coming to their aid.